The toy industry and its adjacent partners are buzzing with news. The Toy Book’s Daily Pulse serves up bite-size nuggets of industry updates to keep you in the know and on the #pulseofplay. Dive into today’s headlines and click the links for more details.

Paramount, Hasbro Debut New Transformers One Trailer

Transformers One is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever. Transformers One features a star-studded voice cast, including Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, with Laurence Fishburne, and Jon Hamm. Learn more about the film in the September issue of The Toy Book!

Melissa & Doug Launches Ocean Easy-Fold Gym for Babies

Expertly crafted with child development in mind, the brand’s first-ever play gym is the latest addition to its existing collection of infant and toddler toys that inspire learning and skill-building at every stage. Melissa & Doug conducted extensive research with parents to understand their needs and solve pain points they encountered with existing play gyms. Learn more…

Ice Spice Gets the Funko POP! Treatment

Available exclusively at Funko.com and the Ice Spice Official Music Store from July 31 to August 8, the POP! of the GRAMMY-nominated rapper is sure to add a dash of nostalgia to fans’ music collection. The POP! Rocks Vinyl figure is approximately 3.25 inches tall. Learn more…

Keanu Reeves’ BRZRKER Gets a Consumer Products Program

Last year, Boom Studios appointed IMG to develop BRZRKR’s global licensing program. Timed with SDCC, partners have been revealed, including action figures and collectibles with artist Todd McFarlane’s McFarlane Toys; toys and collectibles inspired by internet culture with Youtooz; bullion, collectible coins, and miniatures with RJ Bullion; and board games and collectibles with Iconiq Studios. Additionally, Medicom, Diamond Select Toys, Prime 1, and Bellfine will develop a range of toys, action figures, and collectibles based on the franchise. The BRZRKR licensing program also includes a metal poster collection with Displate, featuring some of the series’ most iconic visuals. Learn more…

Cloudco Inks New Care Bears Plush Deals

Cloudco Entertainment, the owner of the beloved Care Bears brand, inked new plush partnerships with Simba Dickie Group (EU), Dan Dee International (seasonal plush for the U.S. and Canada), and Grupo Ruz (Mexico).

“We are honored to continue our partnership with the Care Bears brand to bring their cherished characters and timeless messages of love and caring to our broad audience,” says Menal McGrath, Senior Vice President of Global Licensing at Dan Dee International. Dan Dee’s Care Bears plush products will start launching in early 2025.

Dark Horse, Wizards of the Coast Ink Publishing Deal

Dark Horse Comics and Hasbro’s Wizards of the Coast will launch a new publishing line in 2025, with comics and graphic novels expanding the worlds of Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering. The officially licensed publishing program will feature original stories based on the fantasy roleplaying and trading card games.

“Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering are two legendary games with incredibly strong fandoms and world-building gameplay,” says Marianne James, Senior Vice President, Licensed Consumer Products at Hasbro. “We are dedicated to expanding these universes through unique brand offerings and world-class partnerships, ultimately bringing players and fans alike new, exciting ways to engage with these iconic franchise brands. From this licensed publishing program with Dark Horse Comics, we anticipate a lot of excitement to come with new artwork and creative storytelling.” Learn more…

POP MART Reveals Plans for San Diego Store

POP MART will open a new store in Westfield UTC in San Diego on August 3. The store marks the retailer’s first location in San Diego and its sixth store in California. The opening coincides with the annual Comic-Con International: San Diego, celebrating pop culture with exclusive content and merchandise. Learn more…

Miraculous Corp, Nex Bring Miraculous Active Runner Game to Nex Playground

Miraculous Ladybug: Paris Dash will be initially available later this fall in the U.S., exclusively on the award-winning Nex Playground console (reviewed at The Toy Insider).

“With sophisticated design and easy set-up, Nex Playground transforms living rooms into an active digital playspace for families,” says Julian Jacob, COO of Miraculous Corp. “We are confident that our Miraculous fans across the globe will be delighted to stand in Ladybug’s shoes as they move their bodies and use arm gestures to save Marinette’s beloved city of Paris from evil villains.”

The Op Games Releases Yahtzee: My Melody in Collaboration with Sanrio

Join My Melody from Hello Kitty and Friends on a fun-filled adventure with Yahtzee: My Melody. With custom-designed dice, adorable artwork, and a custom My Melody dice cup with a bow on her hood, this Yahtzee will delight fans of all ages. Learn more…

Rainbow’s Mermaid Magic (from the Creator of Winx) Heads to Netflix

Dive into the enchanting underwater world of Mertropia with this visually stunning series that advocates for the protection of our oceans and sea life. Mermaid Magic spreads essential pro-environmental messages for both children and their parents, encouraging everyone to take even the smallest actions to make a difference. The series debuts August 22 on Netflix. Learn more…

Lansinoh Welcomes Julie Kelly as President for North America

Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge with over 20 years of experience in consumer packaged goods marketing, sales, product development, and general management to the Lansinoh team. Her valuable insights combined with her ability to build and execute on a clear vision equip her to drive incremental growth for Lansinoh in the U.S. and Canadian markets.

CandyRific Names Shayne Quinn as Executive Vice President of Sales

Quinn comes to CandyRific with 25 years of candy industry experience. At CandyRific, Quinn is responsible for leading the entire sales organization, as well as its broker network. In his previous positions in the industry, he has managed all classes of trade including food, drug, mass, value, specialty, and broker relationships.